What Is the Difference Between A Serious Auto Crime and A Traffic Violation?

A serious auto crime typically carries a heavier sentence than a traffic violation. Such crimes usually involve an intent to cause injury, although vehicular manslaughter is an exception. Traffic violations, however, are typically a result of negligence. Such violations can be treated as misdemeanors, with only minor fines. Serious auto crimes are often felonies with more serious sentences.

Examples of Serious Auto Crimes

Vehicular Manslaughter - person who while driving a vehicle unintentionally but unlawfully kills another human being - usually vehicular manslaughter results from some sort of negligence or reckless conduct on the part of the driver

Car Jacking - type of robbery, which involves the theft of a motor vehicle by using force or threat of force - often the threat of force in a car jacking is a firearm

Grand Theft Auto - someone steals a vehicle without the owner being present - the theft is not just for joyriding, but also for total possession of the vehicle

Leaving the Scene of an Accident, or a Hit and Run - after an accident, the driver fails to stay and exchange contact information in violation of the law

Refusing to Stop for a Police Officer - the driver of a motor vehicle fails to pull over when requested by a police officer

Vehicle Burglary - entering a vehicle to steal something out of it. Vehicular burglaries are very common and often underreported

Vehicle Vandalism - any conduct that involves defacing or ruining the worth of a vehicle This can include arson of the vehicle.

What Are The Punishments For Committing a Serious Auto Crime?

There are often severe consequences if you are convicted of any of the above serious auto crimes. All of these crimes carry a strong possibility of imprisonment and a significant amount of fines. In the case of carjacking, if the person threatened dies as a result of the carjacking, the death penalty may be imposed in some states.

Should you Speak to an Attorney if you are Accused of a Serious Auto Crime?

If you are accused of a Serious Auto Crime, you should speak to an attorney immediately to learn more about your rights, your defenses and the complicated legal system.